Not only does Nathan attempt to overpower the Congolese, he also pursues power over his wife and four daughters. Throughout the novel, Nathan reveals an attitude of discontent whenever he is with his family since “he views himself as the captain of a singing mess of female minds,” (43). He treats his wife and daughters as if they were incapable of being “drag[ged] toward enlightenment [due to] the marrow of [their] poor female bones,” which allows him to become their boss since he reminds them on a daily basis that they are incapable of having any intellect. Provided this belief, he demonstrates his authority by “yelling at [his wife, Orleanna,] grabb[ing her] arm [roughly,]” and breaking her favorite china plate in front of his daughters when
